Veteran, family get 'forever home'

By Jeff Yip Autos correspondent

Published 9:22 am, Friday, October 4, 2013

Photo: Email mike@stonepix.com for details.

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It's easy to see why Chevrolet zone manager John Kricfalusi was charmed by Archer, Cory Goberâs 18-month-old son, during last Saturday's Astros game. Chevy and other partners of the Military Warriors Support Foundation have donated a mortgage-free home in Humble to the Gober family as part of Chevy's "Everyday Heroes Come Home" initiative. less

It's easy to see why Chevrolet zone manager John Kricfalusi was charmed by Archer, Cory Goberâs 18-month-old son, during last Saturday's Astros game. Chevy and other partners of the Military Warriors ... more

Photo: Email mike@stonepix.com for details.

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Everybody loves a parade, and the Houston-area Chevy dealers pulled out all the stops to celebrate Cory Gober's duty to honor and country with 52 red, white and blue 2014 Silverado 1500 pickups that caravanned from Sam Houston Race Park to Minute Maid Park. less

Everybody loves a parade, and the Houston-area Chevy dealers pulled out all the stops to celebrate Cory Gober's duty to honor and country with 52 red, white and blue 2014 Silverado 1500 pickups that caravanned ... more

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The nifty vinyl graphics aren't a factory option, but beneath that skin the point vehicle for the heroâs welcome was the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 that features impressive towing, payload and fuel economy in addition to a more refined, quieter and comfortable cab. less

The nifty vinyl graphics aren't a factory option, but beneath that skin the point vehicle for the heroâs welcome was the all-new 2014 Silverado 1500 that features impressive towing, payload and fuel ... more

Veteran, family get 'forever home'

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Cory Gober's leadership and gallantry in combat in Afghanistan earned him a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, but last week, thanks to a Texas-based nonprofit group that helps wounded veterans, Houston, Chevy, Bank of America, the Astros and others showed their heart when they put Gober and his family in a mortgage-free house that might become their "forever home."

Gober was in his dorm room on Sept. 11, 2001, glued to the TV when he saw United Flight 175 slam into the World Trade Center's south tower. "Absolutely horrified" at what he and the nation had witnessed, the then 18-year-old Sam Houston State University student was determined to give back to his nation.

A few months later the Texas-native son put college on hold, starting down a path that led to his becoming an Army airborne combat engineer. Gober and his team members were in dozens of engagements with the enemy in Afghanistan, and he saw many American troops make huge sacrifices.

On Sept. 14, 2006, it was his turn. By then a staff sergeant, he was in an armored vehicle assigned to clear routes of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) when their M114 rolled over three anti-tank mines.

Gober suffered wounds and a traumatic brain injury in the explosion, which left a crater 12 feet in diameter and 6 feet deep. For his actions, in which he carried his gunner - who had arrived two weeks earlier - to safety, Gober was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.

The incident left Gober with excruciating headaches, leg, knee and sleep problems that have forced him to seek a medical discharge from the Army.

While staying at a hotel on a business trip to San Antonio, he encountered a group of veterans who urged him to contact the Military Warriors Support Foundation, which helps veterans transition into civilian life with programs such as home donations, academic and employment assistance, and recreational programs.

"I was adamant that I did not qualify, due to the fact that I was fortunate enough to not be missing limbs or having serious injuries," Gober said. "One of the amputees insisted my injuries were not a factor, and that the important part was I would be a fool not to apply for an opportunity like this, considering that this program does so much to help veterans and their families reintegrate into great communities."

Shortly after that, he and his wife Rebecca applied, and in July they were notified they would be receiving a donated single-story house in Humble.

Andrea Dellinger, senior director at the San Antonio-based MWSF, said its Homes4Wounded Heroes award committee matched Gober with the house in Humble based on the merits of his experience and the family's potential.

"Cory and Rebecca had a lot of strengths," Dellinger said. "There's the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, and all his actions while he was deployed in Afghanistan. But he also has friends living in the area. And one of the vital pieces we look for is having that major support system so the family can continuously grow into that house. Our families have coined the phrase that this is their 'forever home'."

"Cory and Rebecca are a sweet, young family," she said. "As he continues his transition to civilian life and continues to recover from his injuries, we're glad to help. We very much appreciate all that he gave for our freedom."

It's abundantly clear Gober is thrilled with his good fortune and what the future holds.

"Having attended college at SHSU in Huntsville, I spent a great deal of time in northern Houston, and I knew the communities up here would be great places to raise a family. We do have relatives in the area and living in Humble will be a great opportunity for us to experience all that Houston has to offer."

"It's a bit difficult to transfer combat engineering into the civilian world," Gober said, flashing a wry smile. He's landed on his feet, though, working in logistics for Boots and Coots. "I started out as safety technician and industrial firefighter. It's been a fantastic opportunity and a great company to work for."

What Gober said he really craves is a peaceful life caring for his children and being as debt-free as possible.

The MWSF not only is instrumental in providing mortgage-free houses, it takes steps to build a strong foundation in financial skills and understanding.

"What I like to say is the true gem of our Homes4Wounded Heroes program is the family and financial counseling they receive for three years," said Dellinger, explaining each family is assigned a mentor for three years before the deed of the donated house is signed over to the veteran. "That way they understand the responsibilities, have gained insights on the importance of savings so they're as financially confident and successful as we can make them."

Is the sky the limit? Could very well be for Gober, who said he's an avid supporter of the space industry. "It comes from my love exploration and science," he said. "I would love to work in the space industry, but I do not possess the education to do so. One of my goals in the near-term future is to finish my degree and potentially work in the space field. I want my children to be in the space industry when they grow up."